Three keys for the Broncos' offense when it faces the Chargers.

KEEP PEYTON STANDING: Strange thing about quarterbacks. They don’t play as well when they’re getting beat upon. In Denver’s three losses Manning was sacked eight times. The other 13 games the Broncos did a nice job keeping Manning’s No. 18 jersey clean.

He was sacked only 10 times. The Chargers haven’t exactly beaten a path to Manning in their two games this season, putting him on the ground just three times. Then again, the Chargers’ pass rush is a more serious threat now that Melvin Ingram is playing.

Ingram’s presence on the outside puts pressure on Denver left tackle Chris Clark, a first-year starter.

The Chargers’ pass rush hasn’t exactly reminded anyone of the old Rams’ Fearsome Foursome. Their leading sacker: Cory Liuget with 5.5.

But John Pagano’s defenders applied plenty of heat against Andy Dalton, who struggled. But about the only similarity between Dalton and Manning is that they play the same position.

FIND WELKER: Wes Welker didn’t play in the Chargers’ 27-20 upset at Denver and missed the final three games of the season because of a concussion. He’s expected to play Sunday and his presence cannot be minimalized. He’s Peyton’s security blanket.

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Not only is the jitterbug-quick Welker a pain to cover in space, but he draws attention, enabling Manning’s other threats to flourish. And he’s hardly just a possession receiver, as his 10 TDs attest. Another plus to Welker: he brings a wealth of playoff experience.

Another Welker plus: he’s an excellent blocker. Another Welker note: every time he catches a pass and gives the Broncos one more first down, be reminded that he was once the Chargers’ property.

A NOD TO KNOWSHON: Just as Chuck Muncie was the ground piece to Air Coryell, Knowshon Moreno is the running back that makes defenses pay if they become too consumed with the pass.

At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Moreno is a fantastic combination of being a slasher off tackle and physical inside. He gained 1,038 yards rushing and caught 60 passes for 548 yards, leading Denver in yards from scrimmage. He scored 13 TDs.

Perhaps his lone drawback is that he’s not much of a home run threat. His longest run from scrimmage: 31 yards. Eric Weddle is the Chargers’ leading tackler, but Weddle’s run support figures to be limited because of the Broncos’ multiple receiving threats.

Shutting down Moreno on the ground and limiting the Broncos to strictly a passing game, no matter how good Manning is, makes Denver easier to defend.